Raising Dungeness Crabs in a Tank

The Dungeness crab is named after the town of Dungeness in Washington, where they were first commercially harvested. The Dungeness crab is now among the most commonly consumed fish on the West coast. This crab resides in salt water, requiring deep waters to thrive. To mimic these conditions for raising crabs you will need a large tank from an aquatic or specialty restaurant dealer.

  1. Dungeness Crab

    • The Dungeness crab, or Cancer magister, is a crustacean, meaning that it has a hard exterior skeleton. It is also an invertebrate, having no back bone. The shell of the Dungeness crab is purple-tinged, with white-tipped claws. This crab has five pairs of appendages, the front pair serving as claws or pinchers. The Dungeness crab is both a predator and prey, feeding off of small fish, small crustaceans, mollusks and smaller molting crabs.

    Natural Habitat

    • Dungeness crabs are native to the West coast of North American, typically found in an area that spans from the Aleutian Islands to California. These crabs make their homes in shells, in muddy areas and in eel grass. The Dungeness crab moves through these different habitat forms at different points of their life span, progressing from the shelter of shells to muddy areas as it requires less protection. Accommodate the habitat and safety needs of smaller Dungeness crabs in your tank by providing shells for them to take shelter in.

    Ammonia

    • Crabs start to decompose immediately after death, emitting ammonia into the water. The Dungeness crab produces ammonia also through natural metabolic processes, releasing it from its gills. Ammonia is further contributed to your tank by silt, mud, feces and regurgitated food. To prevent ammonia poisoning, remove ill or dying Dungeness crabs, along with any visible refuse near crab's mouths. Dungeness crabs quickly use all of the available oxygen in the water requiring functioning pumps and aeration systems. Tanks need to be regularly cleaned, with properly functioning aeration equipment and bio filters.

    Other Requirements

    • Crabs should be placed slowly into salt water that is between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid shock. A professional grade tank of sufficient size for the number of crabs you plan to have is a must. In addition to ammonia levels, check pH levels of your tank. Dungeness crabs require pH levels of 7.5 to 8.5. Invest in a foam fractionater, or protein skimmer, to increase oxygen levels and decrease ammonia levels.